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1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on June 14, 2016 by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural personal pronoun. Greek is different from English in that all verbs indicate not only what the action is, but also who performs the action. The verb in this case is “are,” which is the Greek verb eimi (the verb of being). The form of the verb in this verse is second person plural (you, plural). Therefore, the personal pronoun humeis (you, plural) is not needed to accurately portray what Paul is saying. That fact that he included it indicates emphasis on who are the sons of light.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

Pas is the root word translated here as “all.” It carries the idea of “oneness” or “the totality of something.” Therefore, pas refers to “all of something without anything being left out.”

“Light” is from the Greek word phōs (or phōtos), which is derived from the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make visible.” This, phōs refers to “that which shines” or “that which makes visible.” In other words, it refers to light. It is used both of physical light and spiritual light (enlightenment).

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

In order to completely understand Paul’s teaching here we need to understand that Paul was brought up as a Hebrew. The Hebrew language, like most other languages, has idiomatic expressions that don’t always translate easily into other languages. For instance, the Hebrew expression “with four eyes,” as in “the two men met with four eyes,” means that the two men met face to face without anyone else present. Paul often uses such Hebrew idioms (called Hebraisms) in his writing, even though he is writing in Greek.

The expression in the previous verse, “you are not in darkness” is a Hebraism meaning “you are not ignorant, unaware, or unenlightened.” Likewise, the expression “sons of light” is a Hebraism meaning “children of God, the heavenly Father, who is light and in whom is no darkness at all.” Throughout the Bible, the metaphor of light (with respect to God) is a reference to His holiness, righteousness, and sinlessness. As His adopted children, we have been given the righteousness of Christ. In Genesis 15:6 we read that Abraham was credited with righteousness because of his faith. Similarly, a Christian, one who has faith in the saving blood of Christ, is seen by God as completely righteous. In God’s record book we are sinless, righteous, and holy. Hence, we are children of light.

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment on the world of sinners. “We are not of night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

Unsaved people cannot understand the Bible because they are not spiritually enlightened like we are (see 1 Corinthians 2:10, 11). We, on the other hand, are taught by the Holy Spirit, and we can know future things as taught to us in Scripture.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:13 – Be The Light

Posted on January 11, 2016 by Will

But all things that are exposed by the light are revealed, for whatever has been revealed is light

Truth to Learn

God’s light exposes sin for what it is.

Behind the Words

The Greek word translated “exposed” is elegchō, which we learned back in verse eleven means “to rebuke or to chastise,” that is, “to stand against something and expose it for what it really is.”

“Are revealed” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In today’s verse the definite article (the) is included with “light.” Therefore, it is a specific light, it is the light.

Meaning Explained

Two verses back Paul said that we are not to have any close relationships with the unfruitful works of darkness. Instead, we are to stand against and expose such evil actions. But then, in yesterday’s verse he told us that it is disgraceful or shameful to even talk about such things. On the surface that looks like a paradox. How are we supposed to expose and resist the works of darkness if we aren’t supposed to talk about them?

In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “exposed” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things which are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.

Now, what does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4). So, we can conclude that “the light” is a reference to God who is revealed in the Word of God.

The expression, “whatever has been revealed is light” seems a little strange, since it seems to say that the evil deeds that are exposed by the light actually become light. Here’s what Dr. Marvin R. Vincent, a noted Greek scholar, said about this expression:

Whatever is revealed in its true essence by light is of the nature of light. It no longer belongs to the category of darkness. Manifestation is a law of good and evil alike. That which is of the truth seeks the light and cometh to the light. That which is evil avoids the light, and loves darkness better than light, but none the less is brought to the light and appears in its own light.

Back in verse eleven we were told to have no close relationships with the works of darkness. These works of darkness are not seen until they are exposed and then then they are seen for what they really are. They are not a source of light, but being exposed, they become lit up. Let’s take the moon as an example of this concept. The moon is not evil, but it has no light of its own. We only see the moon because it is lit up by the light of the sun. As a result, it becomes a light in its own right. In the same way, evil has no light of its own, but it lights up (is exposed) when the light of God shines upon it.

Now let’s put this all together. Going back to verse eleven we see that instead of having close fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are to expose them (with the light). There are times when we encounter the works of darkness, either because we see them or because we are invited to join-in by others. Instead of joining in with such deeds or approving them, we need to recognize them for what they are and bring God into the picture. We need to be a witness to those doing these deeds. This is the time to remember Bible verses that talk about such sinfulness and quote them. This is the time to talk about the consequences of sin and the free gift of eternal life that God offers. But – we need to shed the light in love and with grace, then walk away, having no close fellowship with the deeds or those who practice them.

Application

Quoting the Bible is an effective way of exposing sin for what it really is. However, if you can’t think of what to say, then let your own life be an example of what God is like. If you live what you believe, others will see God in you. You will become a light in darkness.

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:9 – Goodness, Righteousness, and Truth

Posted on January 5, 2016 by Will

for the fruit of the light is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth,

Truth to Learn

We should always exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth.

Behind the Words

The word “fruit” is translated from the Greek word karpos, which is derived from the same base as harpadzō, meaning “to pluck” or “to take by force.” Karpos can refer to fruit taken from a tree or any edible thing taken from plants. Paul uses this word metaphorically, referring to the effects of, or result of, a force or an action.

The word “light” is phōs, which we learned in the previous verse, refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment. In some later manuscripts, this word is replaced by pneumatos, which is based on the verb pneō, meaning “to breathe” or “to blow.” Pneumatos literally refers to “a current of air.” Figuratively, it refers to “a spirit” or “a ghost.”

“Goodness” is from agathōsunē, based on agathos (good or useful). The sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Thus, agathōsunē refers to the general characteristic of goodness or usefulness.

“Righteousness” is from dikaiosunē, which is based on the noun dikaios, meaning “just” or “righteous.” As with agathōsunē, t he sunē ending indicates an abstraction from the base noun. Therefore, dikaiosunē refers to “justice” or “righteousness.”

“Truth” is from alētheia, which refers to “truth” or “reality.”

Meaning Explained

Today’s verse is one that exhibits a minor variation between the two most often used Greek texts. In this verse the Received Text (from which the KJV and NKJV are taken) reads “fruit of the Spirit” and the Wescott-Hort text (from which the NASB, NIV, ESV, and others are taken) reads “fruit of the light.” Nowhere else in the New Testament does “fruit of the light” appear, but only one other place has “fruit of the spirit” (Galatians 5:22). Both versions make sense and contain teaching that is profitable for all Christians. So to me, it really doesn’t matter which one is the “right” text.

I use my own translation in these studies because I prefer a more literal translation of the Greek, whereas others contain more interpretation and paraphrasing in their translations. Having said all that, I find that the phrase “fruit of the light” makes more sense in today’s verse. Here’s why: In the previous verse Paul said we previously were darkness but now are light and he said that we are to walk as “children of light.” It makes perfect sense that he would now tell us something about walking as children of light.

The fruit that we are to exhibit in our lives is to be characterized by goodness, righteousness, and truth. That which is bad is obviously not from God. That which is unjust or unfair is obviously not from God. That which is false or which is based on falsehood is obviously not from God.

Application

What we have to ask ourselves today is not whether the fruit of our thoughts and actions are fruit of the Spirit or fruit of the light. What we have to ask ourselves is, “Do our thoughts and actions demonstrate that God is our Father?” As God’s children we are to exhibit goodness, righteousness, and truth! Do you?

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:8 – Live the Light

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Will

For you were once darkness, but now are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Truth to Learn

Christians are to demonstrate the light of God in our lives.

Behind the Words

“Once” is translated from pote, which means “at some time.” It can be used with reference to either past of future time. It can also refer to a specific point in time or to a period of time. Given that the verb translated “you were” is expressed in the imperfect tense (continual or repeated action in the past), the opening part of this verse could be translated as, “For a period of time in the past you were …”

The word translated “darkness” is skotos. This is derived from the word skia, meaning “shade” or “a shadow.” Skotos is used in the Bible to refer either to physical darkness or spiritual darkness (the absence of God’s spiritual enlightening).

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” Paul uses this word as a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life. It is expressed here as a command.

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter telling us that we should be imitators of God. He said we should do so by walking in love. In other words we should be living our lives loving others in the same way that God showed His love for us. That is to say, we should always be looking out for the good of others instead of our own good. Paul then gave us an example of heretical teaching that had crept into the church. This teaching focused on satisfying our own fleshly desires in spite of the fact that doing so is offensive to God. Paul said, “Don’t even begin to walk down the road that these deceivers talk about!”

Now Paul gives us more instruction as to how we should live our lives. He tells us to “walk as children of light.” He says that in the past we were darkness; not in darkness, we were darkness. Throughout the Bible there is a continual comparison of light and darkness. In 1John we read:

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5b)

This “light” is not just a reference to that light that we are able to perceive with our physical senses; it is also a reference to the enlightenment, the awareness and understanding, of the truth about who God is and what He wants from us. But, there is also a third type of “light” that is referred to in the Bible, and it is God’s holiness. In contrast to the light of God’s holiness is the darkness of our sin. And, in contrast to God’s light in all three of these meanings is the darkness of mankind:

men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19b)

In view of these facts, and the knowledge that we Christians are children of God (who is light), we are commanded to live our lives visibly out in the open with an understanding of God and separated from sinfulness and those who cling to it.

Application

God has rescued us from our sinfulness, with its eternal penalty, and has given us the knowledge of who He is and what He wants. So, let our lives show forth that light which is in us.

In God's service, for His glory,

1 Thessalonians 5:5 – Spiritual Enlightenment

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Will

You are all sons of light and sons of the day. We are not of the night nor of darkness.

Truth to Learn

Christians have spiritual understanding given to us by the Holy Spirit.

Behind the Words

“You” is from humeis, the second person plural pronoun.

The word translated “sons” is huios, which means “a male descendant.” However, it is often used in the New Testament to refer to a child, male or female.

The word “day” is from the Greek word hēmera, which can refer to a complete twenty-four hour period or to that portion of the day in which the sun is shining (daytime).

Meaning Explained

And – because we are righteous children of light, our minds are illuminated by the Spirit of God so that we can understand spiritual things like God’s coming judgment of the world of sinners. “We are not of the night nor of darkness” is another Hebraism meaning that we are not ignorant sinners marching mindlessly towards God’s judgment and destruction.

Finally, note that Paul starts off this verse with “you,” speaking directly to those to whom he is teaching, but then says “we,” indicating that all Christians are in the same category.

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:13 – Be The Light

Posted on February 2, 2012 by Will

But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light

Truth to Learn

God’s light exposes sin for what it is.

Behind the Words

“Are made manifest” is translated from phaneroō, which is the verb form of phaneros, meaning “visible or apparent.” Thus, phaneroō means “to make visible,” “to reveal,” or “to expose.”

Meaning Explained

In today’s verse, however, we are told how things are exposed. This word “ exposed ” is the same verb as used in verse eleven, where we were told to “expose” these unfruitful works of darkness. Also notice in today’s verse that things wh ich are exposed are revealed, or made visible, by “the light.” So the answer to the paradox is that we are to expose the unfruitful works of darkness by means of the light.

What does Paul mean by “the light?” Let’s see what is referred to as “light” elsewhere in the Bible? In John’s first general epistle (1John1:5) he refers to God as light. Then, in his gospel account (John 1:6-9) he refers to Jesus as the light. Peter, however, refers to the prophetic Word of God as a light (2Peter 1:19), and Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, talks about the light of the gospel (2Corinthians 4:4).

Application

In God's service, for His glory,

Ephesians 5:8 – Live the Light

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Will

For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light

Truth to Learn

Christians are to demonstrate the light of God in our lives.

Behind the Words

“Light” is from phōs, which is based on the verb phaō, meaning “to shine” or “to make apparent.” Phōs refers either to physically perceived light or to spiritual enlightenment.

The word “walk” is translated from peripateō, meaning “to walk around.” Paul uses this word as a metaphor for how a person lives his or her life. It is expressed here as a command.

Meaning Explained

Paul started off this chapter telling us that we should be imitators of God. He said we should do so by walking in love, that is, living our lives by loving others in the same way that God showed His love for us. In other words, we should always be looking out for the good of others instead of our own good. Paul then gave us an example of heretical teaching that had crept into the church. This teaching focused on satisfying our own fleshly desires in spite of the fact that doing so is offensive to God. Paul said, “Don’t even begin to walk down the road that these deceivers talk about!”

God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. (1John 1:5b)

men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. (John 3:19b)

Application

God has rescued us from our sinfulness, with its eternal penalty, and has given us the knowledge of who He is and what He wants. So, let our lives show forth that light which is in us.

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 2:19 – Shine the Light

Posted on September 29, 2009 by admin

Romans 2:19

and are confident that you yourself are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness,

Truth to Learn

Biblical truth is a light to those in darkness. We must share it.

Behind the Words

The word translated “confident” is peithō, meaning “to convince.” It is expressed here in the perfect tense, implying past completed action with an ongoing effect with the emphasis on the effect. Hence, these Christians are convinced that they are guides to the blind and a light to those who are in darkness.

“Guide” is from the Greek word hodēgos, which is made up of hodos, meaning “a way or a path” and a form of hēgeomai, meaning “to lead.” Therefore, you can see that this word refers to one who leads the way.

The word “blind” is translated from the noun form of the verb tuphloō, meaning “to envelop with smoke” or “to be unable to see clearly.” This word is used to describe someone who cannot see but it is also used metaphorically to refer to someone who does not understand some truth.

Meaning Explained

Not only were these Christians in Rome proud of their Jewish heritage and the fact that they had the Law as their guide into spiritual truths, they also believed themselves to be the only ones possessing God’s truth. Because of this, they believed that they were better informed with regard to spiritual truths and, therefore, were the only ones truly able to provide spiritual insight to the Gentiles.

Boy, talk about arrogance! Unfortunately, there are a number of people in Bible believing churches today that have that same attitude. Just because we have the truth in the Bible and have been instructed by great Biblical teachers does not mean that we are any better than anyone else. Let us guard against this sinful arrogance. An interesting thing to note is that the message of salvation was first given to the Jews, according to Jesus. Here’s what He said to a Samaritan woman:

You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. (John 4:22)

However, the Jews forgot that their purpose was to share the good news of salvation, not hoard it to themselves.

The apostle Paul realized that he had a precious message (the truth of the gospel) and that he needed to share it with everyone. However he did not consider himself as better than others or even as more important. On the contrary, he felt that he had an obligation to preach the gospel and that he would be judged if he did not preach it. Here’s what he said in his first letter to the Christians at Corinth:

For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast of, for necessity is laid upon me; yes, woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Corinthians 9:16)

He knew that the truth he had learned about God was precious, but he did not let himself get arrogant about it. Instead, he shared the gospel message to anyone who would listen.

Application

Don’t hoard the truth. Let’s all share the gospel and other truths in the Bible, but let’s do it with a humble heart, submitted to the God of the Bible and giving Him the glory.

It’s what we all have been commanded to do!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Romans 1:32 – Rejection Fellowship

Posted on September 1, 2009 by admin

Romans 1:32

who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.

Truth to Learn

Those who reject God are comfortable with others who feel the same way.

Behind the Words

“Knowing” is translated from the Greek word epiginōskō. It is made up of epi, meaning “upon or over” and ginoskō, meaning “knowledge.” Hence it is more than mere knowledge about something, it is knowing upon something. In other words, recognizing or realizing the truth about something.

The words, “righteous judgment” are a translation of dikaiōma, which roughly means, “a righteousness proclamation.”

The word translated “practice” is a form of prassō, meaning “to perform an action continually, repeatedly, or habitually.”

The words “approve of” are from the Greek word suneudokeō, a compound word made up of sun, meaning “together,” eu, meaning “good” or “well” and dokeō, meaning “to think.” So we see that suneudokeō means, “to jointly think well with others “or “to take pleasure along with others.”

Meaning Explained

Paul now gives a final word of condemnation concerning those who deny God. He says that those who reject Him are not only filled with all kinds of sinfulness, but they also know better. Paul says they know the righteous judgment of God. That is, they recognize, or realize, that God has already proclaimed something to be true.

And that something is explained in the next phrase, “that those practicing such things are worthy of death. “ These God haters know that those who do the things they are doing (not just occasionally, but repeatedly) are guilty of sins that are worthy of death in God’s mind.

But Paul doesn’t stop there. He says that these people not only do these things themselves, but they take pleasure in others who do the same. So what Paul is telling us is, not only do these people realize what God thinks of the things they are doing habitually (that such sins are worthy of death), but they feel gratified with others who practice such things as well. In other words, they feel camaraderie with other sinners who are doing the same things.

The interesting thing is that when these people are in the presence of someone living a life submitted to God, they don’t feel camaraderie, they feel conviction! They don’t want the light of God shining on their darkness. This is precisely what our Lord said regarding those who reject Him:

This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil. (John 3:19)

When we witness (either by word or by deed) to those who are sold out to sin, it convicts them and they don’t like it (or us).

Application

Now let me ask you a question, “When you are in the presence of people whom you know are living in defiance of God, do they welcome you, or do they want you to leave?”

Think about it!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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